Ground Beef Potato Casserole

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If you need a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug, this Ground Beef Potato Casserole is everything. Think layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a gooey, golden cheese topping that bubbles with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.

This casserole is a budget-friendly dinner hero. Made with simple ingredients but packed with cozy, savory flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights or make-ahead meals. Plus, it only takes a few staple items to create something that tastes like a classic homestyle favorite.

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What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Ground Beef Potato Casserole?

For this casserole, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal. Yukon Gold offers a creamy texture that holds up well to baking, while Russets become tender and soak in all the rich beefy flavor. Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking and helps them layer beautifully into the casserole.

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Ingredients for the Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, bringing rich, savory flavor and protein to every bite. Choose lean ground beef for less grease but maximum taste.

Potatoes: Thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are perfect. They become fork-tender while absorbing the beefy juices and creamy sauce.

Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the meat layer, enhancing the overall flavor.

Garlic: Minced garlic boosts the savory profile and pairs beautifully with the beef.

Cheddar Cheese: A generous topping of cheddar melts into a golden, bubbly crust that makes this casserole irresistible.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates a creamy, cohesive texture and brings comforting umami notes.

Milk: Helps thin the soup to create a silky, pourable sauce that coats every layer.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the rich, hearty flavors.

Parsley (Optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness for serving.

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How To Make the Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth. This will become the creamy binder that pulls the casserole together.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked beef mixture, then pour over half of the soup-milk sauce. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender and soak up all that rich flavor.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

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How to Serve and Store This Casserole

This Ground Beef Potato Casserole makes an excellent main dish served with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or even a side of garlic bread. Its rich and filling nature means you don’t need much else!

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

For best results, slice the potatoes about 1/8 inch thick. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and create beautiful layers.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes! You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor, or make your own homemade white sauce if you prefer from-scratch cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is it okay to use frozen potatoes?

Fresh potatoes are ideal for this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen sliced potatoes (like those used for scalloped dishes) can work—just thaw and drain them before using.

What’s the best cheese to use besides cheddar?

Monterey Jack or Colby cheese melt beautifully and taste great with ground beef. You can also blend them with cheddar for extra cheesy goodness.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be layered in with the beef for added nutrition and flavor.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you enjoyed this comforting Ground Beef Potato Casserole, here are some other crave-worthy dishes to explore:

• Funeral Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes: A One-Pan Wonder
• Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie: A Meaty Twist on Casserole
• Crab Casserole: A Seafood Delight
• Bacon, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole: Perfect for Brunch or Dinner

For more recipes like this one, check out my Pinterest board where I post daily favorites: Life with Nina on Pinterest

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime you’re craving a cozy, family-style meal.

Tried it? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments below! Did you switch up the cheese or add a veggie layer? I love seeing how you make these dishes your own. Questions are welcome, too—let’s cook smarter together.

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